6 Gibbon Road, Southwark, LONDON, SE15 2AS

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• The effect of the single storey rear extension and changes to the shopfront on the character and appearance of the host building and surrounding area
• Whether or not the changes to the ground floor frontage would unduly impact on the ability of the property to continue in a retail use, including having regard to the provision of an active retail frontage. Also, whether or not the scheme as a whole would in effect facilitate residential use, and if so, with the consequent consideration of the loss of retail space, living conditions of subsequent occupants and any affordable housing requirements
• The effect of the proposal on fire safety

What decided it

The removal of the shopfront and replacement with a domestic façade would harm the character and appearance of the area and render the property unsuitable for continued retail use, thereby harming the vitality of the Protected Shopping Frontage.